The University Cancer Foundation’s Board of Visitors, including campaign honorary chairs Barbara and George H.W. Bush and institution leadership, have decided to continue the philanthropic campaign.

To fund areas of most critical need, MD Anderson has increased the goal to $1.2 billion. The hope is to raise the additional $200 million by the end of 2011, the institution’s 70th anniversary year.

“We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of so many who are helping us in the crucial mission to eliminate cancer, and thankful for the support that’s enabling great progress against this disease,” says John Mendelsohn, M.D., president of MD Anderson.

“Some areas of the campaign remain under-funded, however. Many donors have expressed a continued interest in the opportunity to be part of the campaign.”

Officially begun in September 2006, the campaign has received more than 550,000 gifts from individuals, corporations and foundations around the world.

“Funds raised during the campaign are essential to launching pivotal new research and driving concerted progress,” says Patrick Mulvey, vice president for development. “MD Anderson is making great strides in the fight against cancer, and much of that progress got its start through philanthropic gifts.”